Hydrogenation catalysts and method for benzoic acid hydrogenation reaction

A method for performing a benzoic acid hydrogenation reaction, the method comprising a first hydrogenation step and a second hydrogenation step, wherein

• in the first hydrogenation step, benzoic acid and hydrogen are contacted with a first hydrogenation catalyst under conditions of the first hydrogenation reaction to obtain a first hydrogenation mixture;
• and
• in the second hydrogenation step, the first hydrogenation mixture and supplemental hydrogen are contacted with a second hydrogenation catalyst under conditions of the second hydrogenation reaction to obtain a second hydrogenation mixture;
• wherein the first hydrogenation catalyst and the second hydrogenation catalyst are the same or different, and each independently comprise a carrier, an active component, an auxiliary component, and an alkali metal element supported on the carrier, wherein the active component is ruthenium, the content of the active component is 0.3-3 wt. %, the content of the auxiliary component is 0.3-3 wt. %, and the content of the alkali metal element is 10-1000 ppm by weight based on the total amount of the hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the contents of the active component, the auxiliary component, and the alkali metal element are each calculated as elemental content, wherein the auxiliary component is selected from the group consisting of:
• (a) nickel, wherein the molar ratio of the auxiliary component to the active component is 0.5-1.5:1, and the carrier is activated carbon and/or titanium oxide;
• (b) cobalt, wherein the molar ratio of the auxiliary component to the active component is 0.1-0.5:1, and the carrier is silicon oxide;
• and
• (c) iron, wherein the molar ratio of the auxiliary component to the active component is 10-25:1, and the carrier is zirconium oxide.